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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
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    Default Who Has the Right Away on Yellow Traffic Lights, Going Straight or Left Turn

    My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Oregon
    I was in the left lane headed East, as I approached a traffic signal the light turned from green to yellow. I did not have enough time to stop safely because the light changed color as I was about 10 feet before the cross walk. I was going approximately 35 to 40mph (that is the designated speed) so I proceeded to go through the intersection. With in a blink of an eye there was a car coming toward me, starting to turn right in front of me. (taking a left). I tried to get way over to my right side in order to miss the car but we collided just past the middle of the intersection East bound. The driver said they had a solid yellow arrow. We both were ticketed for "Failure to obey traffic device" Really, Who is at fault!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
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    19,901

    Default Re: Who Has the Right Away on Yellow Traffic Lights, Going Straight or Left Turn

    One of you is lying obviously You would not have had a yellow if they had a solid yellow arrow.

    Generally a yellow doesn't change the right OF way rules.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Oklahoma
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    695

    Default Re: Who Has the Right Away on Yellow Traffic Lights, Going Straight or Left Turn

    flyingron is correct that it is not possible (with properly working lights) for you to have a solid yellow, and the other car to have a solid yellow arrow.

    I suspect that they had a yield on left solid yellow which would give you the right of way. You may still be found guilty of the traffic violation for entering the intersection on a yellow light, but the other car must have done the same in order to make the turn. Much like football the two penalties off-set and the right of way remains yours. Your insuarnce company may find differently, but they are not governed by how they access blame.

  4. #4
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    Sep 2010
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    Default Re: Who Has the Right Away on Yellow Traffic Lights, Going Straight or Left Turn

    Actually, I think they probably had either a circular yellow or a flashing yellow arrow (the latter seems to be becoming popular here in NC).

    Offsetting penalties, still second down.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    LA LA Land
    Posts
    9,170

    Default Re: Who Has the Right Away on Yellow Traffic Lights, Going Straight or Left Turn

    Quote Quoting hww
    View Post
    My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Oregon
    I was in the left lane headed East, as I approached a traffic signal the light turned from green to yellow. I did not have enough time to stop safely because the light changed color as I was about 10 feet before the cross walk. I was going approximately 35 to 40mph (that is the designated speed) so I proceeded to go through the intersection. With in a blink of an eye there was a car coming toward me, starting to turn right in front of me. (taking a left). I tried to get way over to my right side in order to miss the car but we collided just past the middle of the intersection East bound. The driver said they had a solid yellow arrow. We both were ticketed for "Failure to obey traffic device" Really, Who is at fault!
    Oregon's statute regarding "yellow lights" seems to vary form the commonly known "proceed with caution" that is the standard in most states:

    811.260 Appropriate driver responses to traffic control devices.
    This section establishes appropriate driver responses to specific traffic control devices for purposes of ORS 811.265. Authority to place traffic control devices is established under ORS 810.210. Except when acting under the direction of a police officer that contradicts this section, a driver is in violation of ORS 811.265 if the driver makes a response to traffic control devices that is not permitted under the following:
    ...
    (3) Steady circular yellow signal. A driver facing a steady circular yellow signal light is thereby warned that the related right of way is being terminated and that a red or flashing red light will be shown immediately. A driver facing the light shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, shall stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, then before entering the intersection. If a driver cannot stop in safety, the driver may drive cautiously through the intersection.
    ....

    So under the circumstances, a case can indeed be made that you both did commit the alleged violation...

    Quote Quoting flyingron
    View Post
    Offsetting penalties, still second down.
    Hahahaaa...

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    CT & IL
    Posts
    5,273

    Default Re: Who Has the Right Away on Yellow Traffic Lights, Going Straight or Left Turn

    Ha, assuming its not possible for both to be in violation .. the cop gave tickets knowing that one was bogus ... reasonable doubt for the ticket? I think this fact destroys the cops credibility in court. Need proof of other ticket for court. Who's actually at fault? I cannot tell...

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